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The final fixture of the first half of the season is upon us! On Saturday, VfL welcome Union Berlin. The upcoming fixture is a familiar one, but not in the context of Bundesliga football, we’re used to meeting Union in the 2. Bundesliga. Here’s this week’s LOOK AHEAD to Union Berlin.
THE TEAM
The side from Berlin’s district of Köpenick have established in Germany’s top division in their third season in the Bundesliga. Their finishing positions in the league is proof of this. 11th place in their debut Bundesliga season, last summer the “Irons” even managed to qualify for a European competition. Even though Union were recently kicked out of the Conference League, their qualification was a true milestone for the team from the capital. An old VfL lad has been co-responsible for this success: Andreas Luthe is Union’s regular goalkeeper and has appeared in every game of this season up to now for them. The 34-year-old “Ludsson” is a very experienced player, just like skipper Christopher Trimmel, or forward Max Kruse. Together with the younger generation like leading scorer Taiwo Awoniyi Berlin’s coaching staff has a great squad.
THE HEAD COACH
Urs Fischer took over as Union Berlin’s head coach on 1st July 2018. Fischer is therefore the longest reigning Bundesliga head coach after Christian Streich (Freiburg). After the promotion to Bundesliga in 2019, the 55-year-old has managed to form the “Irons“ into a real team that is able to get involved in international football. After last season’s 7th place finish in the table, Union are currently sitting in 8th. Fischer is not a man of great words, but he gives an insight into his rituals: “I have a pair of jeans that get washed regularly, but in case of a success I’ll keep it on for the next game”, the Swiss explains.
THE RECORD
There have been 21 fixtures between Bochum and Union Berlin so far. The record is in favour of the “Irons”, who were able to rack up eleven victories. In seven matches, VfL emerged as the winners. The last win is not that long ago actually, it took place in the 2. Bundesliga back in December 2017. Shortly before the winter break VfL scored three points after a 2-1 victory at home with goals by Kevin Stöger and Lukas Hinterseer. Although the rematch was won by the Berliners, at the end of the campaign VfL finished with one point more than the “Irons”.
